Gruff Rees admitted that the play-off initiative now lies in the hands of others after watching the region fall to a disappointing defeat at the hands of Glasgow on Friday, but he insists that the Ospreys will not give up their RaboDirect PRO12 crown without a fight as they prepare to go to Leinster in two weeks game for the final game of the regular season.
The region had gone into the game against third placed Glasgow having conceded just 16 tries in 20 PRO12 games to date this season, and with just two defeats in their last 17, but Rees had to watch on from the sidelines as a rampant Warriors side, the top try scorers in the league, secured a bonus point win with five tries to the Ospreys two.
Speaking after the game Rees said:
“There was aspects of the game today where we were just far too passive. We were soaking up constant pressure, giving them the momentum they thrive on and they finished their tries with aplomb. We lacked hunger around the breakdown and we failed to put them under pressure.
“They deserved the win but we made it too easy for them. They had the physical edge and we stood off them a bit too much. When they had quick ball, they had the talent to finish. We had opportunities but we just failed to convert.
“Making the playoffs is now a tall order, we’re under no illusions. Other sides have the advantage now but we have to get on with things ourselves. On Monday, we’ll regroup and go over where we went wrong but we’re going to keep fighting till the last minute.”